Bills' Roster Long Shot Impressing Again in NFL Preseason, Delivers Boom vs. Browns

Making noise during the NFL Preseason is nothing new for running back Ian Wheeler, especially when the Buffalo Bills are involved.

Prior to joining the Bills earlier this summer, Wheeler played five preseason games for the Chicago Bears after signing as an undrafted rookie free agent in 2024. Two of those five exhibition matchups happened to be with Buffalo, and Wheeler has four career touchdowns against the Bills' preseason defense as a result.

This time, wearing a Bills' uniform, Wheeler accounted for arguably the most-notable play of the day during Thursday's joint practice against the Cleveland Browns in Berea.

With Bills' quarterback Shane Buechele flushed out of the pocket during a live team rep, Wheeler provided a safety valve along the right sideline. After pulling in a short pass from Buechele, the stout ball carrier turned upfield. Running parallel to the sideline, Wheeler challenged a Cleveland defender head on and lowered an audible boom.

Jul 29, 2026; Rochester, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills running back Ian Wheeler (27) runs a drill during training camp at St. John Fisher University. | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Making Browns' safety Daniel Thomas the latest "Angry Run" victim, Wheeler bulldozed the veteran who landed on his backside as a result of the jarring hit that caused Bills' teammates to erupt in excitement. Watch the play courtesy of WGRZ's Jonathan Acosta.

"In practice, defense wants to thud. Offense, you gotta bring your shoulder pads, too. Typically, low man's gonna win in those scenarios. Like I said, he's a pretty low runner," said Bills' quarterback Josh Allen.

Ian Wheeler, Josh Allen — Running backs Ian Wheeler and Ty Johnson finish working out with quarterback Josh Allen during a drill at Bills Training Camp at St. John Fisher University in Pittsford on Aug. 4, 2026. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

Ian Wheeler's Bills experience

The Bears released Wheeler prior to the start of the 2025 regular season, and, following a short stay on the New Orleans Saints' practice squad, the Howard product resurfaced in the UFL this past spring.

Wheeler proceeded to average 5.4 yards per carry and rushed for six touchdowns over nine UFL regular season games. Helping the Louisville Kings capture the league title, the running back earned United Bowl MVP honors after rushing for 81 yards and the go-ahead touchdown on 10 attempts against the DC Defenders.

The Bills added Wheeler to their 90-man roster midway through June, creating a spot by designating undrafted rookie running back Desmond Reid as waived/injured.

Wheeler opened the preseason schedule by leading the Bills in rushing during their August 15 win over the Carolina Panthers. The hard runner totaled 41 yards and one touchdown on seven carries.

"He's a low runner. His center of gravity is really low. During the game last week, it felt like he was driving the pile by himself," said Allen.

Wheeler, who has yet to play in a NFL regular season game, will presumably get another prime exhibition opportunity on Saturday against the Browns in Cleveland. The August 22 kickoff is set for 1 p.m. ET.

Wheeler is currently battling with Frank Gore Jr. while trying to break into Buffalo's Top 3.

"He's got a lot of power to him. Very excited to see what he can do these next couple weeks and next couple games," said Allen.

Ian Wheeler TD — Aug 17, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears running back Ian Wheeler (33) scores a touchdown against the Buffalo Bills during the second half at Soldier Field | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

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